News
Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
By: Michael Mike
The Northern Christian Youth Professionals (NCYP) has identified the surge in terrorism in Nigeria as a result of disunity among communities across the country and poverty among majority of citizens.
The group in a press statement signed by its Chairman, Isaac Abrak on Tuesday, said the persistent and growing threat of terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, is evident that terrorist groups, both local and international—including Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda affiliates, and more recently, the Lakurawa terrorist group—have exploited the longstanding divisions within our communities to carry out their heinous attacks.
Abrak said: “Terrorism thrives where there is disunity and poverty. In Nigeria, sectarian and political fault lines—especially religious divisions between Christians and Muslims—have allowed these criminals to operate with impunity. Rather than uniting to confront a common enemy, communities often fall into the trap of mutual suspicion and blame. This division has enabled terrorists to continue their violence across religious and political boundaries.”
He noted that: “We must ask ourselves: why do we continue to witness deadly attacks in Christian-dominated areas such as Plateau, Benue, and in the recent tragedy in Gombe, where a truck rammed into an Easter mass rally? Similarly, why are Muslim-majority states like Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto under constant siege? The answer is simple: terrorism knows no religion, region, or tribe. Nigeria as a whole is being targeted, and unless we unite, we risk losing everything, just as happened in countries like Afghanistan and Yemen.”
He however said: “The way forward is not through division, but unity—across religious, ethnic, and political lines. This unity must be backed by bold, people-centered policies that empower communities to protect themselves and deny terrorists the environment they exploit.
“One such policy is the revitalization of the Forest Guard, as proposed in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign manifesto. NCYP has long advocated for this initiative. Properly implemented, it would involve recruiting local community members—those who know the terrain intimately—to safeguard their forests. This would not only improve security but also create jobs and provide a steady income, reducing the appeal of terrorist recruitment.
“In tandem, we strongly support the full implementation of Local Government Financial Autonomy, as ordered by the Supreme Court. When funds are directly allocated to local governments, communities can witness real development at the grassroots. Economic empowerment at this level builds resilience against extremist influence.”
Abrak decried that: “Unfortunately, we continue to see political maneuvering and sabotage when it comes to implementing these people-oriented policies. For example, the debate over state police versus the Forest Guard should not be an either-or argument. If state police are formed, will they truly focus on reclaiming forests overrun by terrorists? And if State Police is viable, why hasn’t this government moved swiftly to implement it?
“Similarly, why have Local Government Councils not opened accounts with the Central Bank to allow FAAC funds to be deposited directly, as constitutionally mandated? These are serious questions our leaders must answer if they are truly committed to ending the insurgency that is devastating rural Nigeria.”
“We urge all Nigerians, especially those in rural communities, to raise their voices and demand full implementation of these critical policies. The political class has demonstrated that when the will exists, necessary legal reforms can be swiftly enacted—as seen when the National Assembly invoked the Doctrine of Necessity to resolve a constitutional crisis after President Yar’Adua’s death,” he said.
He advises that: “Let us show the same urgency in enacting laws and reforms that will empower our people, defend our communities, and defeat terrorism.
“We, the Northern Christian Youth Professionals, stand ready to partner with all patriotic Nigerians, regardless of religion or ethnicity, in the fight for a safer, united, and prosperous Nigeria.”
Group Says Poverty, Disunity Responsible for Surge in Terrorism
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
By: Michael Mike
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Tuesday said it has arrested 77,792 suspected drug offenders and secured 14,225 convictions over the past five years, as part of its intensified campaign against illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), disclosed this in Abuja during the 11th Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CCEO) Awards and Commendation Ceremony held at the NDLEA national headquarters.
Marwa also revealed that the agency seized more than 14.8 million kilogrammes of illicit substances within the said period, describing the achievement as a major blow to both local and international drug cartels operating in the country.
According to him, 128 major drug barons were among those arrested, noting that their capture had significantly weakened criminal trafficking networks.
He stated that beyond enforcement, the NDLEA had also prioritised rehabilitation and prevention, with over 32,000 drug users receiving professional treatment and counselling. Additionally, the agency conducted more than 13,700 sensitisation programmes under its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across schools, markets, workplaces, religious centres, and communities nationwide.
Marwa praised President Bola Tinubu for renewing his mandate, describing it as a strong endorsement of the agency’s work.
He pledged to escalate the fight against drug trafficking during his second tenure, with more intelligence-driven and tactical operations
He said: “We will not rest until every drug baron is behind bars and every illicit substance is removed from our streets.”
At the ceremony, 166 NDLEA officers and 17 state commands were honoured for exceptional performance, bravery, and commitment to duty.
Marwa commended the judiciary, security agencies, international partners, civil society groups, and the media for their support in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking in Nigeria.
The NDLEA boss urged officers to remain diligent, disciplined, and proactive, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen its operations to protect Nigerian youths from the dangers of illicit drugs.
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has decorated 402 newly promoted officers in a colourful ceremony held at the Command Headquarters in Abuja.
The event, which brought together senior officers, personnel, and invited guests, was described as a milestone in the careers of the promoted officers and a testament to their dedication to national service.
Speaking at the ceremony, the FCT Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, congratulated the beneficiaries on behalf of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi. He stressed that promotion is not a reward for longevity but a recognition of hard work, professionalism, and commitment to duty.
Odumosu reminded the officers that their new ranks come with greater responsibility, urging them to demonstrate higher levels of discipline, integrity, and leadership in the discharge of their duties.
He highlighted the achievements recorded by the FCT Command, noting that since he assumed office, the Command has intensified intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and rapid response to security threats within the nation’s capital.
The Commandant also underscored the Corps’ role in protecting critical national infrastructure, including government facilities, public utilities, and strategic installations across the FCT.
He commended the Agro-Rangers Unit for its efforts in reducing farmer-herder conflicts and promoting peaceful coexistence in rural communities, thereby contributing to food security in the territory.
Odumosu revealed that in 2025, the Command arrested 112 suspected vandals and over 50 illegal miners involved in acts of economic sabotage. According to him, many of the suspects were involved in vandalizing armoured cables, fibre optic installations, streetlights, solar panels, road crash barriers, and telecommunication infrastructure.
He further disclosed that the Command has invested in training and capacity building for its officers in areas such as intelligence gathering, disaster management, crowd control, election security, and human rights compliance.
Addressing the newly promoted officers, the Commandant urged them to serve as role models, uphold ethical standards, and remain loyal to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He assured the FCT Minister, the NSCDC leadership, and residents of Abuja that the Command would continue to prioritize professionalism, accountability, and effective security service delivery.
NSCDC FCT Decorates 402 Officers, Pledges Stronger Security in Abuja
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
By: Zagazola Makama
A 40-year-old man, Musa Mohammed, has died after being allegedly attacked and thrown into a river by unknown assailants in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Residents of Girim Village, Ya’u Gambo and Adamu Muhammad, told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 8:00 a.m. on Jan. 19, when the victim, who was employed to guard the village river, was confronted by some unidentified persons.
They said the attackers forcefully held Musa Mohammed, tied his hands and legs, and threw him into the river.
The sources added that about a month earlier, the deceased had a misunderstanding with five men from Dadigar Village in Bursari LGA, who allegedly warned him to stop guarding the river or face consequences.
Upon receiving the report, security operatives visited the scene and evacuated the victim from the river in an unconscious state.
“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gashua, where a medical doctor later confirmed him dead,” the sources said.
Photographs of the deceased were taken, and his remains were released to his relatives for burial according to Islamic rites.
Musa Mohammed was from Burburwa Village via Mayori in Yusufari Local Government Area of the state.
Investigation into the incident has commenced to identify and apprehend those responsible for the killing.
River guard killed in Yobe, police begin investigation
Russian Houses and the Quiet Trafficking of Africa’s Youth into a Foreign War
NDLEA Arrests 77,792 Suspects, Secures 14,225 Convictions in Five Years
FG Moves to Strengthen National Policy on Drought and Desertification
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News9 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
